Velonika, a 52-year-old woman from Malawi, is married and has four children. She and her husband engage in farming to support their family. Five years ago, Velonika began to experience small, painless swelling on her neck. Over time, the swelling grew larger without affecting her daily life. In 2022, the swelling became noticeable, prompting her to cover her neck until the end of the year. In 2023, Veronica developed symptoms like frequent coughs and neck heaviness. Despite visiting a traditional healer, her condition worsened. Velonika was referred to our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center, where surgeons noted signs of hyperthyroidism and conducted necessary tests. Her thyroid function tests were normal, and the ultrasound scanning revealed a heterogeneous mass on the right lobe. She was diagnosed with a goiter, the swelling of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland, located in front of the neck, produces thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and other bodily functions. Surgery is necessary to address the systems and prevent conditions from worsening. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is providing Velonika with the necessary treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on July 7th, where surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $1,015, and she and her family need help raising money. Velonika shared, "Pains have forced me to come all the way from the village after noting your support. Kindly help me in time since I don't have anyone in town."

Por is a 68-year-old grandmother from Cambodia. She is married and lives with her husband and her fourth child, who works in a factory. She has seven children, all of whom are married and live in nearby provinces. In her free time, she enjoys planting vegetables around her home. One year ago, Por had an ear infection. This infection caused the tympanic membrane, or the eardrum, in her left ear to perforate. For this reason, Por experiences pain, hearing loss, and ringing sounds (tinnitus) in both ears. Her hearing difficulties make communication with her family more challenging and can make it harder for her to fully participate in conversations and daily activities. The ongoing ear problems have also affected her comfort and quality of life. Por traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On September 2nd, she will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in her left ear. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforation. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $363 to fund this procedure. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Por said, “I hope the surgery will help repair my left ear and control the infection so I can hear more clearly and communicate more easily with my family. I want to continue farming and doing my daily activities without being limited by my hearing problems.”

Sokkhy is a 58-year-old cashew farmer from Cambodia. He is married and lives in Kampong Cham Province with his wife, who is also a cashew farmer. They have three children, all of whom are married and live in nearby villages. In his free time, he enjoys chatting and drinking tea with his friends in the village. On July 23, 2026, Sokkhy fell from a height and sustained a fracture of his right hip (right femoral neck fracture). He initially sought treatment from a traditional Khmer medicine practitioner, but his condition did not improve. He continues to experience severe pain in his right hip and is unable to stand or walk without assistance. He currently relies on a wheelchair for mobility, which prevents him from returning to his farm and carrying out his daily activities independently. Sokkhy will receive a hip hemi-arthoplasty to help address this issue. A hip hemi-arthoplasty is a partial hip replacement that involves replacing half of the hip joint. Hopefully, this procedure will help Sokkhy move without discomfort. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, evaluated Sokkhy and can perform a hip hemi-arthoplasty on August 4th. This will help relieve Sokkhy of his pain and allow him to walk more easily. His family can contribute $100, but needs help to raise $612 more to fund his procedure and care. Sokkhy said, “I hope this surgery will relieve my pain and help me walk again so I can return to my daily life and take care of my family without depending on others.”